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Zduriencik open to trades in coming weeks

Zduriencik open to trades in coming weeks

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Chone Figgins

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ANAHEIM -- Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik says that he's had "a lot of dialogue with several people" about potential trades, but hasn't found a suitable partner and won't make a move unless he finds one that makes sense, as the Trade Deadline approaches over the next three weeks.

Zduriencik noted that while lots of teams are talking, the only deal pulled off so far has been the A's trade of second baseman Mark Ellis to the Rockies for a Minor League pitcher and cash.

"I think what's happening right now, people are still feeling it out," Zduriencik said. "Everybody wants a bat or a pitcher. But nobody is at the point where they're pulling the trigger. As we get to the All-Star break [next Monday through Wednesday] there will be more discussion.

"And, hey," said Zduriencik, "we're wide open."

Zduriencik isn't naming names, but the Mariners clearly have some veterans that they'd be willing to move. Infielders Jack Wilson and Chone Figgins have lost their roles with the arrival of rookies Dustin Ackley and Kyle Seager. Designated hitter Jack Cust has seen his playing time diminished as well.

The tougher call for Zduriencik will be determining if he's willing to part with top younger prospects in order to bolster a team that is hovering near .500, despite an offense that ranks at the bottom of the American League in scoring and most offensive statistics.

As always, those decisions will come down to whether the right deal becomes available at an agreeable price. It takes two to tango and, in this case, there are a lot of potential dance partners still scouting out the field.

"Every GM has done their homework," said Zduriencik. "You'll throw out something and see what they say. It's just the feeling-out stage. So many clubs are still in it right now or are trying to get to a certain point. They're all looking for the right deal, and I'm not sure everybody has seen it yet.